Can filling machine



July 26, 1938. R. LUTHI 2,124,581

CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed NOV. 28, 1953 15 Sheets-Sheet l July 26, 1938. R. 'LUTHI ,cAN'F LLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 28, 1933 15 Sheets-SfieeJ; 2

July 26, 1938. R. LUTHl CAN FILLING MACHINE l5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 28, 1933 July 26, 1938. R; LVUTHI 2,124,581

CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 28, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 July 26, 1938.

6 III R. LUTHI CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2a, 1955 To Mac/zine Canzm? 88 V'IIII'gIIIIII IIIII:

15 Sheets-Sheet 6 July 26, 1938.

R. LUTHl 2,124,581

mi FILLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2a, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet 7 I. lllll mmalnii g by I;

"(m I ll/11111111111111 Z I I 4 I s 4 I 9 I INVENT -v x! ATTORNEYS I July 26, 1938.

R. LUTHl 2,124,581 CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 28, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet 8 lNvENl'gi BY M L0- ATTOR Y5 July 26, 1938. R. LUTHI 2,124,581

CAN FILLING MACHINE July 26,1938. I R. LUTHI 2,124,581 CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2a, 1933 15 snee'ts-shet 10 R. LUTHI CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2a, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet 12 July 26, 1938. LUTHI CAN FILLING MACHINE Ffiled Nov. 28, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet l3 July 26, 1938. R. LUTHI CAN FILLING MACI IINE Filed Nov. 28, I935- 15 Sheets-Sheet 14 INVENT w ATTO July 26, 1938. R. LUTHl CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 28, 1933 15 Sheets-Sheet 15 Patented July 26, 1938' PATENT OFFICE CAN FILLING MACHINE Robert Luthi, Newark, N. 1., assignor'to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application November as, 1933, Serial No. 700,156

22 Claims.

The present invention relates broadly to vacuum syruping food products and has particular reference to an apparatus for subjecting the inciation of mechanical devices for receiving cans,

partially filled with solid contents such as fruit or other cellular products, and conveying these 16 cans into filling position where a part of the exterior can wallis supported and protected against. collapse ordistortion, while the interior of the can, as well as the fruit cells, are vacuumized, preferably with a high vacuum and syrup is then filled into the can to a predetermined height. I

A simple and desirable manner of vacuum filling contemplated'in this invention is the step of vacuumizing the fruit filled can at a maximum degree 'of vacuum regardless of the amount of syrup fill desired and the vacuous condition in the can is then altered and a desired degree of vacuum is established by the introduction of a small and exact amount of air, such amountof air being predetermined in accordance with the amount of filling required. After the filled can is removed from the filling apparatus it is preferably introduced into a vacuum closing machine where it may be vacuumized and sealed in the 36 usual manner.

An object of the invention is the provision of apparatus for automatically and accurately performing the steps of vacuumizing' and filling cans with a liquid while protecting their walls against a distortion, the control of the cans, air and liquid being such as to effect rapid and uniform filling of the can to a predetermined height without spilling and without variation. I

A further object of the invention is the provision ofan apparatus of the character described which automatically receives cans in untimed relation and timesthem with the various move-.

ments of the apparatus, positioning the cans to expose their open ends to a filling head without enclosing them into a chamber, and while under automatic valve control the cans are vacuumized, "filled and discharged as uniformly liquid filled cans.

The invention also contemplates the provision of an apparatus, for vacuumizing and syruping containers, which cannot be operated unless there is an adequate supply of syrup for filling purposes.

A further feature of the apparatus under consideration is the provision of a central valve control associated with the syrup tank which is used for separating liquid filling passages and vacuumizing passages when the apparatus is filling cans but which is also adapted for emptying of the tank of syrup after the day's run or when a change of syrup is made.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of a no-can no-operation device in a vacuum filling machine which is associated with the filling head unit and with the vacuum filling valve and this device prevents the valve operation in the absence of a can to be filled.

The invention contemplates other mechanical features in an apparatus of simple construction wherein those parts of the machine subjected to the fillingliquid my be readily dismantled and removed 'for the purpose of cleaning, this feature permitting rapid changing over of the machine to handle different grades or kinds of syrup and adapting the machine to small cannery uses where relatively small batch filling is necessary.

' Numerous other objects and advantages of the 1 invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an apparatus embodying the present invention, parts being broken away; A Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan detail of a part of the valve locking device;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse sectional; view taker; substantially along the-broken line 4-4 in Fig.

Figs. 5 and 6 are plan sectional views taken substantially along the respective broken lines 55. 6-6 in Fig. 4;

Figs. 7 and 8 are enlarged fragmentary sectional details taken substantially along the respective lines 1-4, 8-8 in Fig. l;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, broken sectional 'view valve part taken substantially along the broken line 9-! in liquid supply tank illustrating in sectionwhat is shown in the upper central part of Fig. 4;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional,

view of a cam lifting unit as viewed substantially along the line l2-l2 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line l3-l3 in Fig. 1;

- Fig. 14 is an enlarged sectional-detail fragment taken substantially along the line l4-i4 in i 1;

Figs. 15 and 16 are plan sectional views taken substantially along the respective lines l5-l5, l6-i6 in Fig. 13;

Figs. 17, 18 and 19 are enlarged plan sectional details taken substantially along'the section lines il-il, iii-i8 and iQ-IQ in Fig. 4;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged transverse sectional view shown partly in elevation, 'being viewed substantially along the line 20-20 in Fig. 10;

Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially along the line 2l-2I in Fig. 16;

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary plan detail of one of the filling head and valve units;

Fig. 23 is a front elevation of the same;

Figs. 24 and 25 are plan sectional views taken substantially along the lines 24-24 and 25-25 in Fig. 23;

Fig. 26 is a transverse sectional view taken through one of the filling head and valve units, being a section taken substantially along the line 26-25 in Fig. 23; I Fig. 27 is a view similar to the upper portion of Fig. 26 illustrating the partial removal of part of one of the valve units from the filling head unit;

. Fig. 28 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 28-20 in Fig. 27; 1 Figs. 29, 30 and- 31 are plan sectional views taken through the valve unit and illustrating different valve settings, these sections being .taken substantially in the vertical'position indicated by the section line 25-25 in Fig. 23;

Figs. 32, 33 and 34 are schematic transverse sectional views of the valve showing a part of the Fig. 36 is a schematic view similar to Fig. 32

being a built-up section as viewed along the brokenline 36-36 in Fig. 35;

Fig. 37 is a schematic view illustrating the' valve parts in the same positions as in Fig. 32

' but showing the filled can being removed;

Fig. 38 is a fragmentary joint plan and plan sectional view of the vacuum liquid trap with adjacent connections;

Fig. 39 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the broken line 39-39 in Fig. 38;

Fig. 40 is a plan' sectional view taken substantially at an elevation indicated by the line 40-40 in Fig. 39;

Fig. 41 is a transverse sectionaidtail taken tion comprises a revolving turret which carries a central liquid supply tank and a series of spaced filling head units connected with the tank and located Just outside. Can lifting units are also carried by the turret. each lifting unit being in axial alignment with and directly beneath each filling head.

Cans usually partially filled with food or other cellular contents are introduced into the machine on a pair of horizontal conveyor chains which pass them between guide rails and adjacent a timing screw. The threads of this screw engage between adjacent cans and while retarding the can travel, space and time the cans for proper feeding into the apparatus. Thesetimed cans.

are then progressively engaged by a rotating can feed-in starwheel which conveys them into the turret and positions a can upon each of the can supporting units.

Rotation of the turret carries the Cams on their can supporting units in a circular path ofhalf of the can wall moving into place with a double jointed hinging action.. These fixed and movable jaws prevent any radial movement of the can wall during a vacuumizing step of the can which follows.

A rotating valve member associated with each filling head controls vacuumizing and liquid filling of the can. 'I'his'valve is set for action only when there is a can present to actuatea no-can no-operation device. There is no valve move ment of a particular valve unit during one cycle of operation if its can supply is empty.

With a can properly placed the valve associated with its unit is first actuated to establish communication between its interior and a source of vacuum. Following withdrawal of air from the can and from various passageways of the filling head, these passageways and the interior of the can are closed oil from the vacuum source. The vacuumizing and the following locked vacuum period take place while the turret continues to revolve and while the can advances along its circular path of travel. 7

A further actuation of the valve which follows then establishes communication between the interior of the can and with a closed chamber containing air at atmospheric pressure. The exact volume of the air in this chamber has been accurately predetermined in accordance with the amount of liquid fill desired in the can and is adjustable in amount. For a given run of cans, however, each succeeding can receives the same amount of air from this chamber. the air flowing intov the can expanding and reducing the degree of vacuum.

The next movement of the valve cuts off this air chamber and establishes a communication between the interior of the can and the central.

supply tank. The liquid in this tank is under atmospheric pressure at all times and rapidly flows into the can, seeking to fill the voids, the solids or cellular contents of the can at such time being lheir!i down by a topper associated with the filling The can and the connecting passageways in the head and valve units are thus filled and the level of the liquid in thecan rises until the small 7 amount of air in the can again compresses as a head space until it counter-balances the atmospheric pressure on the surface of the liquid in the tank. plus the small gravity force occasioned by the higher liquid level in the tank.

It will be remembered that this air in the can is received in large part from the air chamber during the preceding valve movement just described and is in an expanded condition when the filling of the can begins. After such a balance between the head space air in the can and the gravity and atmosphere of the liquid in the tank no further flow of syrup takes place. If a perfect vacuum in the can could be obtained and no air introduced the can would be completely filled. In practice a fraction of an inch head space is desirable.

The reference to syrup and syrup filling, it will be understood, is by way of example only and is to be understood as applying equally well to liquids other than syrup. By way of illustration in the filling of cans of peas, a brine is used,

with tomatoes, a puree, etc., depending upon the product in the cans.

Upon the next movement of the valve the can is cut off from the. supply tank and the top of the now filled can is opened to atmosphere. This can is then withdrawn from the filling head by a lowering of the supporting unit and is swept from the filling machine by a discharge star-wheel.

The liquid within the supply tank is maintained between a maximum and a minimum level by a float device which comprises a float connected with a sliding member controlling the inner valve in a liquid tight supply line. If the liquid' level in the tank drops to the low position by failure of the liquid supply the float also actuates an electric stop device which stops further operation of the machine. This feature insures that there is always a sufficient supply of liquidin the tank to fill the cans passing into the machine for otherwise the machine cannot be operated.

A vacuum liquid trap is associated with the machine and prevents flooding of the vacuum lines. The collected liquid may be pumped from this trap back into the supply tank or to a storage reservoir. Provision is also made for draining the tank liquid into the trap. Such draining is effected by removal of the central tank v'alve from its liquid and vacuum lines closing position. The float and connections can also be raised and removed from the tank for purposes of cleaning, etc.

This provisionv permits rapid changing of the syrup being used and permits a draining of a light syrup, for example, from the apparatus by pumping it back to its reservoir and then substituting a heavy syrup from another batch. In some small canneries the syrup grades are sometimes changed several times a day and quick changing in such cases is highly desirable.

In the majority of filling installations it is desirable that the filling apparatus be directly associated with a vacuum seaming machine and for the purpose of indicating such an association at small part of a seaming mechanism is illustrated in the drawings and is herein described. Driving mechanism for the filling apparatus is preferably connected with the same driving mechanism as is used on the vacuum seaming machine and will be so 0 nsidered in the following description.

Af er a can has been filled with liquid in the filling apparatus and has been swept off of its support by the discharge starwheel it is carried in a circular path of travel and then enters into the entrance end of the seaming machine. It

may be otherwise disposed of if the seaming mafer of the filled can from the filling apparatus into the'double seamer its open end is open to atmosphere and it is only when it is received into the vacuum chamber of the seaming machine that it is again vacuumized prior to being supplied with a cover and closed by the seaming apparatus.

The vacuum filling machine now being consid ered may be used in the capacity of a pre-vacuumizing machine and in practice it is desirable to vacuumize the can and its solid contents at a higher vacuum, about two points .for example, than the vacuum usedin the vacuum seaming machine and this largely prevents swelling of the contents at such times since much of the air has already been withdrawn from the fruit cells and will not reenter through the syrup. This prevents overflow of the can when again vacuumized prior to final sealing.

General features The revolving turret which carries the cans I through the machine for vacuumizing and liquid" filling or syruping comprises a tubular member 5| (Figs. 4 and 5) which is enlarged at its upper end in a head 52 which is formed with a cylindrical wall extending upwardly to provide a liquid supply tank 53. The tubular member 5| intermediate its length merges into a nearly fiat skirt 55 which spreads outwardly substantially in a horizontal plane and terminates in a vertical flange 5B.

The lower end of the tubular member 5| is enlarged at 51 and encloses a ball bearing unit 58 which is carried upon a shouldered part 59 of a supporting column 6| positioned centrally of the turret. The column BI is formed with a foot 62 which is mounted upon and bolted to a horiried on the tank 53, being positioned just outside of its rim and equally spaced along its periphery. Directly beneath each filling head H is a can support unit 12 which is carried in the skirt 55 of the turret. The cans are brought into the machine and are fed to the rotating turret being located upon a can support unit 12 and directly beneath a filling head unit II. This feeding of the cans into the apparatus will now be described.

Can feeding Open topcans 15 preferably containing fruit or other cellular materials and which are to be filled with syrup or other liquid are moved toward the turret by a pair of horizontally disposed, continuously moving conveyor chains 8| (Figs. 5, l-, l5 and 16) on which the cans rest. These chains pass over and are carried by idler sprockets 82 mounted on a horizontal stub shaft 83 located at the entrance end of the can path. They also extend over and are propelled by similar sprock- The column 6| forms a stationary supets 84 secured to and driven by a horizontal drive shaft 86.

The shaft 83 rotates idly in a bearing 81 formed in a can feed frame 88 bolted to the side of the casing 64 and extending adjacent the turret 5|. The shaft is also journaled in a similar bearing 9I formed in a side frame 92 which is mounted at its forward end on a horizontal shelf 93 projecting outwardly from the frame 88. The side frame 92 is tied to the frame 88 at its outer or rear end by a tie plate 94.

The upper run of one chain BI is'guided in a horizontal groove 95 (Figs. 13 and 16) formed in a grooved plate 96 bolted to the side of a block 91 carried by the frame 88 where it extends between the sprockets 82, 84. In a similar manner the upper run of the other chain is carried in a horizontal groove 98 formed in a grooved plate 99 carried in a longitudinal slot IIII formed in the frame 92, being bolted thereto. This plate 99 is located directly opposite to the plate 96 and the two plates provide the proper guiding supports for the conveyor chains.

The shaft 86 rotates in bearings I08, I89 (Fig. 15) formed respectively in the frames 88, 92 and carries a gear III which is secured to its outer end and which is located in a gear box section I I2 of the frame 92. This gear III meshes with a similar gear II3 (Figs. 13 and'l5) carried on the outer end of ahorizontal shaft I I4, the shafts 86, H4 being parallel and in the same horizontal plane. A gear box cover H5 is secured to the gear box H2 and protects the gears III, H3.

The shaft H4 is journaled in bearings H8, H9 located adjacent the bearings I08, I09 and like the latter are formed in the frame parts 88., .92.

This shaft extends across and between the upper and lower runs of the chains 8|. Its inner end carries a bevel pinion I25 which meshes with a gear I26 keyed to a vertical shaft I21 journaled for rotation in bearings I28 formed in the frame 88.

The lower end of the shaft I21 carries a gear I3I (Fig. 6) which meshes with and receives rotation from a gear I32. The frame 88 is formed with a pocket I33 and the gears I25, I26 are located in this pocket. A table plate I34 rests upon and forms a top for the frame 88. This plate also provides a cover-for the gear pocket. The frame wall is also enlarged in a bulged section I35 which provides a housing for the gear I3I.

The gear I32 is the main driving gear for the turret unit and is keyed to the lower end of the turret section 51 (see Fig. 4) Gear I32, together with the turret and all parts carried thereby is driven through connection with a gear I (Figs. 4, 6 and 9) which is carried on the lower end of a vertical shaft I42 journaled in bearings I43 formed in a housing frame I44 bolted to one side of the casing 64. The frame I44 is bulged outwardly at I45 to provide a housing for.the

gear I.

The gear I is driven by connection with teeth I48 formed on a double gear I41 mounted upon and freely rotatable on a supporting stud I48 carried in a lateral housing section I49 of the frame I44. A cover member I5I is bolted on the frame part I49 and assists in holding the stud I46 in position as well as providing easy access thereto when the cover is removed. a

The double gear I41 also has bevel gear teeth I55 which mesh with a. tubular gear I56 keyed to a horizontal drive shaft I51. A tubular section I58 of the gear I56 is journaled for rotation within a bearing I59 formed in an auxiliary frame member I6I bolted to the framepart I49. This tubular gear part I58 is threaded to receive lock nuts I62 which are located outside of the bearing I59 and which hold the gear in rotatable position. A cap I63 is bolted to the frame part "SI and protects the end of the gear and the lock nuts.

Drive shaft I51 may be any suitable driving part and is here shown as extending from the general direction of the double seaming machine associated with the fillingapparatus. Preferably this drive shaft is a major driving element of the double seaming machine and when so formed insures synchronism of operation between the filling apparatus and the double seamer.

Can timing The cans 15 being brought into the apparatus by the conveyor chains 8I are guided in a straight path of travel by various guide bars or rails. The first of these comprises a side rail I65 (Figs. 5 and 16) bolted to and resting upon the horizontal or top part of the side frame 92. I On the opposite side a movable side guide rail I66 is disposed, being mounted on the table I34 (see also Fig. 21)

This rail I66 adjacent its two ends is formed with rearward extensions ,I6 .1 which rest on top of a support block I68. The block I68 is mounted on the table I34, a foot I69 of the block being slotted at I1I for the reception of a clamping bolt I12 screwed into the table I34. This construction permits adjustment of the block relative to the table.

The rail I66 is adapted to be engaged by an incoming can on the chains 8| and assists in placing the can in proper position in a timing member. In this positioning of the can for timing the can sometimes crowds against the rail and pushes it back toward the block I68. This movement is made possible by bolt and slot connections between rail and block.

The latter is formed with a forward projection I13 which extends beneath the rail extensions I61 and is slotted at I14. A bolt I15 extends through each slot and holds the extensions I61 against the block I68 and the rail I66 down on the table I34 while permitting its movement. Springs I16 are interposed between block and rail and tend to force the latter back and the cans over and into the timing member.

This timing member comprises a timing screw I18 which is provided with an encircling thread I19. This thread, adjacent the entrance end of the can travel, is relatively narrow on the face of the thread and increases in face width toward the opposite end. At the same time the diameter of the thread I19 increases.

Screw' I18 is continually rotated and as the cans in untimed processional order move adjacent the screw and come into the influence of its thread, their travel is retarded. The increased spacing of the thread on the timing screw thus operates to space the cans and to correctly time them for proper feeding to the turret.

The timing screw I18 (Fig. 16) is formed with a short shaft part I and a long shaft section I86. formed in a bracket I68 mounted upon the frame 92 and the long shaft section is journaled in a bearing I9I formed in the frame part 92. This frame part at this position also provides a bearing I92 for a horizontal shaft I93 which is parallel to the shaft I86.

These two shafts are driven in synchronism by Shaft I85 is journaled in a. bearing I81 outside of meteor a. The lower part "or! a.

a a gear connection formed with a pinion I24 keyed to shaft I and a gear- I25 carried upon th other shaft. These gearsare contained wi a pocket formed in theframe 22. A cover plate I22 secured to the frame closes the pocket. The

'shaft I22 carries a spiral pinion I91 (Figs. 13

screw until itenters the starwheel pocket. Theguide rail 222 is cut away at 254 to allow for clearance of the star-wheel. A shell section 225 carried on the frame 22 partially covers and protects the timing screw.

As soon as the can is engaged within a pocket of the starwheel it moves adjacent an outer circular guide rail 255 bolted to the table I24 and this rail retains the can within the starwheel pocket while the lattercarries it toward acan support unit .12 of the? turret. The starwheel 252 is mounted upon the upper end of the shaft I21 and is rotated therewith.

This shaft is formed with a shoulder 2 .on which the gear I25 rests (Fig. 13) and this gear is provided with a tubular part 2i2 which provides a spacer as well as a support for the starwheel. A bolt 2" and a washer 2l4 clamp the starwheel rigidly against the gear part 2l2 and hold it on its shaft.

Can support u'nit men can support unit (Figs. 5', 12 and 1;) comprises a platform 225 on which the can is positioned by the starwheel 222. This platform g inclined lower edge adapted to be engaged by a the upper open end of the can 15 when it is raised a into position with the can support unit". The e is provided with a depending tubular body 222 and ismounted-upon a plunger 221 which slides within a tubular housing 222 mounted upon the skirtportion of the turret. Plunger 221 carries a cam roller 225 rotatably mounted on a horizontal pin 2 which is held in fixed position within the plunger. auxiliary roller 222 is also rotatably mounted on the pin 22i.

As the turret partsrotate and a platform 225 isbrought adjacent the starwheel 222 the can 15 is slid into position on top of the platform.

This is done without interruption of therotation of the turret or the advancement of the support unit. At all times the cam roller 222 is riding on a circular cam track 224 which is formed in a ring cam- 225 bolted upon a second web section 222 (seealso Fig. 4) formed as an integral part of and located above the web 52 of the casing 24.

v After receiving its can, the can support unit is raised by lifting of its roller 222 as it passes along an upwardly inclined section of the cam track 224 and its superimposed can is thus lifted into its associated filling head unit II directly above.

The inner edge of the ring cam 225 along one,

side extends upwardly and inwardly into an overhanging ar'cuate camvtrack section 221 which engages above the roller 222 during a part of the travel of the support unit and insures a lowering of the platform 225 and can when desired.

Fiumonemt unit it is adiustably secured to and carried on the the outside tank wall is vertically slotted 425,4, b there being a number of these slots equally around the outside of the tank.

Each foot 24: is held within a'slot its being 5 clamped on each side by clamping blocks 245.)

Each block is located betweenLtwo of the filling head bodies and is adapted toengage'adjacent sides of adjacent bodies 2 as best illustrated in Figs. 24 and 28. Each foot 242 is vertically 1o grooved along its side edges as at 242 andthe lower part ofeach clamping block extends in two adjacent slots 245.

Each block 245 is formed with an up er iection 241 and lower projections .243 a d 71'." If

mounted on a stud 242 threadedly secured in" 1 the tank wall between two adjacent slots 244.

when in clamped position the projection 241 of" each'block rests against the outerwall of. the

tank at a point above the fllling head body and its lower projections 242 engage within the slots .245 of the walls 242 of adjacent filling head units.'

A nut 25l threadedly secured on. the outer end of each stud 249 holds its block 245 in clamped position. To assist in closely adjusting the body 25 2 so that it can be clamped in the desired position as just described, an adjusting boltis used as willbe hereinafter described. "Each unit body. 2 (Figs. 13 and 26) carries a rubber ring 252 which is vulcanized or otherwise secured on the outside ofa holding ring 252. The holding ring is formed with an annular internal shoulder 254 which is engaged by a top-;'

per block 255 located inside of'the ring. A screw 255 extends through the center of the topper g member and is threadedly secured in the bottom of the unit'body. This construction securely holds l the parts 252, 252, 255 as a single unit.

The rubber ring 252may be formed with an resiliency of the ring eifects a tight seal for the open end of the can which is then in pomtion for vacuumizing and filling.

Where a product such as peaches .or other large fruit is being handled the lower surface of It is contemplated that a high vacuum will "usually be desired in the liquid filling of a can 55 15 while clamped in the filling head and in order to prevent collapse ordistortion of the can wall by the excessive atmospheric pressure on theoutside, can encircling and protecting instrumentalities are provided. the walls of the can and by preventing their movement during the vacuumizing operation prevent distortioii or collapse. i

For this purpose a fixed jaw 2" (Figs. 13 and 26) is carried by the {platform 225, being secured 5 to an upward extension 252 by a bolt 252. The inner wall of this jawjcorresponds'in size and curvature with the exterior wall of the can body and is substantially a half cylinder so that a substantial section. of the bahbody is engaged 70 by the jaw.

A movable jaw 255 (Figs. 13, 23 and 26) is provided for encircling the opposite half portion of the can wall. The jaw 255 is secured by bolts- 255 to a holding member 261 whichis provided These clamp against 00. 

